How to Detect Digital Scammers
Scammers are real and a big deal. The digital world has become too informative that scammers are rapidly increasing. There are signs for how to detect digital scammers.
Most scammers will try to lure a person or even a company into their game. The aim is mostly to take money. The internet has become a valuable medium for different types of scams. It can happen through emails, social media platforms, Whatsapp, and SMS.
Scammers claiming to be “your bank” will contact you asking you for information pertaining to your bank account. Receiving messages requesting verification that are odd are definitely a scam. Alternatively, receiving emails stating that you won a price or an inheritance are also scams.
Online shopping is another type of digital scams. When searching for an item to buy online, you may suddenly see a very convenient offer for a very decent price. Somewhat fishy isn’t it? Scammers will use these methods to hastily make you rush into a purchase of an item you have been eyeing. Even if you are directed to a website, make sure it’s an https and not an http, although some scammers can also use https. Check the payment method which in usually an unsecure one. Be skeptical if the deal is too good to be true.
Social media scammers have become more famous in the day with millions of people using social media. Hooking a person, more so a business owner is not too hard. Scammers keep a look out for businesses and start-ups mostly. A business owner looking for exposure and in need of more leads may receive a DM (direct message) offering them a good deal to advertise and gain more followers. Tempting as it may sound, don’t fall for it.
Trusting any site or message received is a big no-no. Ask yourself these questions before your proceed with any payment of any kind if you smell a scam.
-Do I know the sender and can I detect who it is?
-Were you contacted right out of the blue?
-Are there grammatical and spelling mistakes in the message received?
-Is the offer too good to be true?
-Are you being pushed into making a quick decision?
-Is the payment method a secure one?
-Are you being asked to share personal information?
-Are you being asked to verify anything, namely bank account details?
If the answer to any of these questions is a yes then it is most probably a scam so take control of the situation immediately and report it to save yourself and others from digital frauds.